Cooling and freezing apparatus.



Patented lune 27, |899.

S. D. SMITH.

COOLING AND FREEZING APPARATUS.

2 Sheets-Sheet l..I

No. 627,602. Patented lune 27, |899. S. D. SMITH.

COOLING AND FBEEZING APPARATUS.

, (Application led Mm'. 31, 189B.) (No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2` l @fav NITFD STATES;

PATENT OFFICE.

STEPHEN DFOATUR SMITH,- OF ORLANDO, FLORIDA.

COOLING AND FREEZING APPARATUS.'

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 627,602, dated June 27, 1899.

Application filed March 3l, 1898. Serial No. 675,978. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom. t may concern.-

Be it known that I, STEPHEN DEOATU SMITH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Orlando, in the county of Orange and State of Florida, have invented a new and useful Cooling and Freezing Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to a cooling and freezf ing apparatus designed to rapidly cool beverages-.such as milk-shake, lemonade, andthe likewithout diluting the beverage by putting ice therein, which tends to detract from the avor, and to thoroughly agitate and beat rapid whirling and agitating movement tov the contents of the cans or vessels and also to impart yagitation to the freezing mixture and brine, which are kept constantly in motion over and around the vessels or cans, all of the devices being driven from a single power mechanism.

A further object of the invention is'to provide for ready access to the rotatable drum and to the vibrating veSsel-carriersfor they purpose of readily inserting or removing the vessels or cans and to provide for the easy` renewal of the freezing mixture.

With these ends in View the invention con= sists in the combination of a closed revoluble drum, a series of carriers mounted within said drum to travel therewith and to have movement independent of the rotary motion of said drum, and closed cans'or vessels supported removably on said carriers.

The invention further consists in the means for reciprocating the can-carrier withinthe drum by motion derived from said drum and a power mechanism; and it finally consists in the novel combination and construction of parts,which will be herein-after fully described and claimed. Y

To enable others to understand the invention, I have illustrated the preferred embodiment thereof in the accompanying drawings,

forming a part of this specification, and in which'- l Figure l is a perspective view with the hinged cover of the casing opened to expose the rotatable drum. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal horizontal sectional view on the plane indicated bythe dotted line 2 2 of Fig. 3. Fig. 3 isa vertical transverse sectional view on the plane indicated by the dotted line 3 3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view of the can-carrier. Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional'ele- Vation of the can-carrier, showing a series of cans or vessels mountedtherein. Fig. Gis a transverse sectional view through the rod of the can-carrier, showing the upper holder and the spider in plan view. Fig. 7 is a detail sectional elevation through another embodiment of the can or vessel.

Like numerals of reference denote like and corresponding parts in each of the several figures of the drawings.

l designates the' casing, within which are contained the rotatable drum and the various operating parts of the machine. This casing is provided with a cover 2, hinged at one edge, as at 3, to the casing for the purpose of adjustment upwardly and away from the drurn to expose the latter, and said casing catches and retains the brine which may drip from the drum when the latter is in motion.

The casing maybe constructed of sheet metal or any other suitable material, and it is provided with two sets of shaft-bearings, (indicated at 4 and 5, respectively.)

6 is the revoluble drum, preferably of sheet metal, although it may be made of any other material suitable for the purpose. The drum is designed to carry within itself the series of can-carriers that contain the liquid or mixture to be cooled or frozen, and said drum is shown in the accompanying drawings as of cylindrical form, although this is not essential, because the shape of the drum may be varied as desired by the skilled constructor. The drum is supported withinthe casing by the short .tubularshafts 7 and '8, located on opposite sides of the drum and axially with respect thereto, and these short shafts are provided at their inner ends with face-plates H, that are applied laterally against the faces of the opposite sides or walls of said drum,

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the face-plates being rigidly secured to the drum sides by rivets or other suitable fasteners. The shafts 7 and S are journaledin the alined bearings 4 of the casing, and in practice I make the shaft 7 tubular for a part of its length, while the other shaft 8 has an opening extending entirely through the same. Access to the interior of the drum is had by means 4of openings 10, which are formed at suitable intervals from each other in one of the sides or walls of the drum, and said openings are tightly closed by caps 11, preferably screw-threaded, so that they may be screwed on nipples or flanges around the openings 10 in said drum. The interior of the drum is furthermore provided with a series of radial partitions 12, which are rigidly secured in place and extend from the circumference of the drum inwardly toward the axis thereof for suitable distances, and these partitions not only serve to space the can-carriers within the several compartments provided by the partitions within the drum, but they also serve to lift or carry up the freezing mixture and brine in the rotation of the drum when the machine is in operation,w`nereby the freezing mixture and brine are poured over the can-carriers and the Vessels thereon, and said mixture and brine are kept constantly in motion so long as the drum is rotated. The drum is revolved by a hand-crank 13 of any suitable type, which is attached rigidly to the solid protruding end of the short shaft 7, and this crank lies outside of the drum-casing to be within easy access of the operator for rotating the drum when the cover of the casing is closed.

Vithin the revoluble drum is arranged a horizontal crank-shaft 14, that is driven by power connections with the drum to rotate at greater speed than said drum, and this crankshaft actuates the can carriers to impart reciprocating or vibrating motion thereto, whereby the can-carriers, which are situated within the drum, not only rotate with the drum, but also have the reciprocating or oscillating motion imparted thereto from the crank-shaft, thus violently agitating the coutents of the vessels or cans which are supported by said carriers. The crank-shaft 14 has one end journaled loosely in the opening of the short shaft 7, to which the operatingcrank 13 is attached, while the other end of the crank-shaft is journaled in and'extended through the tubular shaft S on the opposite side of the drum, said extended or protruding end of the crank-shaft 1t being provided with a suitable power-transmitting device, such as a pulley 1G. At a point intermediate of its length and between thejournals provided by the short shafts 7 and 8 for the support of the crank-shaft within the drum said shaft is provided with a crank or cranks 15. The number of cranks 15 provided on the shaft 14 depends upon the number of can-carriers which are mounted within the drum for actuation by the crank-shaft, and in the embodiment of the invention represented by the accompanying drawings I have shown the crank-shaft provided with a single crank designed to actuate a series of four can-carriers.

17 designates a counter-shaft which is arranged in a horizontal position Within the casing 1 and journaled in the shaft-bearings 5 therein, and this counter-shaft is situated at one side of the drum in a plane parallel to the aXes of the alined short shafts 7 8, which sustain the drum within the casing. This counter shaft is driven directly from the revoluble drum, for which purpose suitable gearing is provided between the drum and the counter-shaft, and said counter-shaft is operatively connected with the crank-shaft for rotating the latter at a greater speed than the drum. As the drum is rotated directly by the operating-crank and as the countershaft is operatively connected with said drum and the crank-shaft, it will be seen that the drum and the can-carriers Within the saine are operated from a single power mechanism, which in this instance is represented by the Operating-crank 13.

In the drawings I have represented the cylindrical drum as provided with a mastergear 18, which is secured rigidly to said drum to rotatetherewith, and on the counter-shaft is secured a driven pinion 19, arranged to mesh directly with the master-gear, and the counter-shaft is provided at one end with a belt-pulley 20, which is in line with the pulley 16 on the protruding end of the crankshaft 14, said pulleys 16 20 being operatively connected together by an endless belt 21. I do not limit myself, however, to the described connections between the several working parts, as I am aware that belt-and-pullcy gearing between the drum and the countershaft may be substituted for the gear connections 18 19 and that crank-and-pitman couneetions between the counter-shaft and the crank-shaft may be substituted for the pulley-and-belt gearing shown. The pulley 20 ou the counter-shaft is of larger diameter than the pulley 16 on the crank-shaft, andas the counter-shaft is driven rapidly from the revoluble drum the gearing multiplies the number of strokes made by the can-carriers in proportion to the rotation of the cylindrical drum. The can-carriers are thus vibrated quite rapidly at each rotation of the drum, and thus the contents of the cans or vessels are violently agitated and shaken, while at the same time the liquids in the cans or vessels are exposed or subjected to the cooling or freezing action of the ice and brine, which are kept in constant circulation over and around said cans or vessels by the action of the partitions 12 when the drum is in motion.

The can-carriers are indicated at 22 and 23 in the drawings, and the carrier 22 is disposed in a radial position on one side of the crankshaft 14, while the other can-carrier is arranged in like position on the opposite side of said crank-shaft. Each can-carrier con- IOO IIC

sists of a lstraight rod or stem 24, which is provided at its inner end with an eye or loop 24, that is fitted loosely around the crank of the shaft 14, and the outer end of the stem or rod is slidably iitted in a suitable guide 25, which is rigidly fastened to the drum G at a point midway betweentwo adjacent radial partitions l2 within said drum. The support for the series of cans on each stem or rod is in the forni of a spider 26, which is rigidly attached to the rod or stem 24 at a suitable distance from the free end thereof, where it plays in the guide 25, and this spider has a series of radial arms 27, which are turned upwardly to form the threaded prongsk 28, adapted to be attached to the cans or vessels which contain the liquid or mixture to be cooled, agitated,`or frozen. In connection with each spider 26 a can-holder 27 is employed, and this can-holder is constructed with a series of rings 30, which correspond in number to the arms 27 of the spider on the stem or rod to which the spider and holder are attached. I prefer to make the spider 26 and theholder 29 each in a single piece of metal, preferably by casting the same, and said spider'and holder are fitted to the stem or rod and secured rigidly thereto in a suitable way, the holder being so attached to the stem and adjusted in relation -to the spider that the threaded prongs 28 of the spider are in line with the axes of the rings 30 of the holder. As shown in the drawings, the spider may be constructed with two radial arms and theholder` with two rings;

but it is evident that the number of arms and rings on the spider and holder, respectively, may be increased within the desired capacity of the machine. The cans, which are supported bythe spider and holder on'each stem or rod, are indicated at 3l, and each can is provided at its bottom with a nut 32, which is adapted to be screwed on the threaded prong 28 of one of the arms of the spider. The can 3l is of substantially cylindrical form, although it tapers slightly in the direction of its length to facilitate the emptying of its contents, particularly if the contents be frozen, and the open end of the can is closed `by means of a threaded head 33, which is detachably secured to the shell or body of the can. It will beobserved that the cans 3l are rigidly attached at their bottoms to the spider on each stem or rod and that said cans fit within the rings of the holders, which serve to maintain the cans in proper position and to reduce the strain on the joint between said cans and the spider. As each stem or rod carries two or more of the cans or vessels and a's a series of these stems or rods are slidably mounted within the drum for radial move` ment therein under the action of the rapidlyrotating crank-shaft, which is driven independent-ly of the d rum,the machine is adapted to cool or freeze a numberof liquids i-n the several cans or vessels, and thus the capacity of the machine may be increased by multiplying the number of can-supporting devices on the stems or by increasing the number of stelns within the drum.

In Fig. 7 of the drawings I have represented another construction of the can or vessel, by reference to which it will be seen that the vessel 34 is made in two sections, which are joined detachably together by an interlocking thread-joint or screw-coupling 35. This twopart vessel is preferably of elliptical shape andis divided transversely at its middle, and at one end this two-part vessel is provided with a nut adapted vto be screwed on the prong of one arm of the spider ona reciprocating stem or rod. The employment of this twopart vessel is advantageous, because one part may be separated from the other, and the block of frozen mixture may be cut in half, into two equal sections, thus producing two cones of frozen mixture.

The operation may be described as follows z The liquid to be treated is placed in the can or vessel, and the cover thereof is screwed tightly in place. The cap l1 is removed from one head of the drum, and the can or vessel is introduced into the drum by passing it through the opening l0 and the ring 30 on one of the holders of the stem, the said can being adjusted alongside of the stem, so that its nut 32 may be screwed to the prong 28 on one arm'of the spider on one of the stems. The series of cans or vessels are placed in position'in like manner, after which the freezing mixture and salt are introduced into the drum and the caps 1l screwed in place. The drum is now rotated by operating the crank 13, and this motion of the drum is communicated to the counter-shaft,which in turn drives the crank-shaft that operates the series of reciprocating stems or rods within the drum.

As the drum rotates the rods or stems move l radially therein, and as the radial movement of the cans is quite rapid as compared with the rot-ary motion of the drum the contents of the cans are violently agitated. This agi- IIO tation of the can contents, in connection with Y the motion of the freezing mixture and brine within the drum, causes the contents of the cans to be cooled or frozen quite rapidly. After the liquid has been subjected to the 'agitation and cooling action within the maviolent agitation imparted-to the contents of the cans or vessels causes the liquid to foam while undergoing the coollng or freezing operation, and as both the liquids to be cooled and the freezing mixture and brine are kept in a constant state of agitation the cooling or freezing of the liquid is effected rapidly and thoroughly. The drum, which carries within itself the freezing mixture and the securely-closed cans or vessels,is excluded from the surrounding atmosphere by the inclosing casing and the caps ll, which securely close the openings to the drum itselt'.

My machine enables a finer quality of milkshake or other beverage to be produced, because the beverage is not diluted by immersing ice therein. As cream or sherbets are agitated and reduced to a foaming condition bythe rapid movement of the cans or vessels while undergoing the freezing operation, a finer quality of the article can be produced.

The machine is simple in construction and cheap of manufacture, and as the drum carries within itself the freezing mixture and brine the laborious operation of freezing cream is materially lightened and expedited.

The number of cans mounted on each carrier may be varied as desired. In case cans of small capacity are to be used in the freezer the number of cans in each group may be increased to three or four, as preferred, and as a series of groups are used in the cylinder it is evident that the capacity of the machine may be increased within the limits of the dimensions of the cylinder.

I am aware that changes in the form and proportion of parts and in the details of construction may bemade by a skilled mechanic without departing from the spirit or sacrificing the advantages of the invention, and I therefore reserve the right to make such modiications as fall within the scope of theinvention.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim is- 1. In amachine for cooling and freezing liquids, the combination of a revoluble drum, a reciprocating carrier mounted in the drum, and means for reciprocating the carrier within the drum as it rotates with thelatter,substantially as described.

2. A machine for cooling and freezing liquids comprising a closed revoluble drum adapted to contain the freezing mixture, a series of carriers mounted within the drum to travel therewith and to have movement independent of the rotary motion of said drum, and closed cans or vessels removably supportedon saidcarriers,substantially as described.

3. A coolingand freezing machine comprising a closed drinn adapted to contain the freezing mixture, aseries of carriers mounted within said druln to rotate therewith and to have movement independently of the rotary motion of said drum, closed cans or vessels mounted in said carriers, and means traveling with the drum to elevate the freezing mixture and brine and deposit the same upon the cans or vessels, substantially as described.

4. In a machine for cooling and freezing liquids, the combination of a revoluble drum, a series of radially-movable carriers mounted Within said drum to travel therewith, and mechanism for imparting positive radial movement to said carriers as the dru m rotates, substantially as described.

5. In a machine for cooling and freezing liquids, the combination of a closed revoluble drum, Ia series of radially-movable carriers mounted within the drum to travel therewith, means for imparting rapid reciprocating motion to said carriers on relatively slow rotation of the drum, and a series of closed cans or vessels mounted detachably in said carriers and exposed to the action of the freezing mixture within the drum, substantially as de scribed.

G. In a machine forcooling and freezing liquids, lthe combination of a revoluble drum, a crank-shaft mounted therein, a countershaft driven by the drum and operatively connected with the crank-shaft, and can-carriers mounted within the drum and connected with the crank-shaft, substantially as described.

7. In a machine for cooling and freezing liquids, the combination of a revoluble drum, a counter-shaft driven thercby, a series of radially-movable carriers mounted within the drum, a crank-shaft driven by the countershaft and operatively connected with said carriers, and closed cans or vessels detachably connected to said carriers, substantially as described.

8. In a machine forcooling and freezing liquids, the combination with a casing, of a revoluble drum supported within the casing by tubular shafts, a crank-shaft journaled in said tubular shafts, a counter-shaft driven by the drum and operatively connected with the crank-shaft, and can-carriers mounted within the drum and connected. with the crank-shaft, substantially as described.

9. In a machine for cooling and freezingliquids, the combination with a revoluble drum, of a crank-shaft within said drum, a carrierstem slidably supported in the drum and connected to the crank-shaft to be reciprocated thereby, a spider fast with the carrier-stem, holders on the carrier-stem in the planes of the spider-arms, and receptacles fitted to the holders and fastened to the spider-arms to travel with the carrier-stem as it is reciprocated within the revoluble drum, substantially as described.

l0. In a machine for coolngand freezing liquids, the combination with a revoluble drum, of a series of stems slidablysupported therein and each carrying'means forholding a series of cans, and a single power mechanism for rotating the drum and imparting movement or play to the can-carriers as they rotate with said drum, substantially as described.

ll. In a machine for cooling and freezingliquids, the combination with a casing, of a closed revoluble drum provided with radial partitions, a series of guides fixed within the drum, a crank shaft mounted within the IOO IIO

drum for rotation independently thereof, a series of vradial stems or rods fitted to the guides and connected to the crankshaft, and each stem or rod carrying supporting means for a series of cans or Vessels, a counter-shaft driven by the difum and operatively connected with the Crank-shaft, and means for rotating said drum, substantially as described( In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in 1o the presence of two witnesses.

STEPHEN DEOATUR SMITH.

` Witnesses:

R. H. MARKS, M. O. DOREL. 

